Slayer death spider bite
“Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11 a.m. this morning near his Southern California home,” a statement posted on the band’s Facebook page read. “Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed.”
The guitarist had recently begun writing songs with the band in anticipation of recording a new album later this year. He had been slowly recovering from what was believed to be a spider bite that nearly cost him his arm after he failed to seek immediate treatment.
“The music industry has lost a true trailblazer, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his bandmates and fans around the world who mourn his untimely passing,” said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy, in a statement.
Robinson-Fitzgerald said it’s believed the spider bite contributed to the failure of Hanneman’s liver, but it is unclear whether an autopsy will be scheduled. No funeral arrangements have been made.
“Jeff Hanneman will always be a metal god,” rocker Andrew W.K. posted on Twitter.
Hanneman co-founded the thrash metal pioneers in Huntington Beach, Calif., in 1982.
